User:JAbraham

Bones

Bones have many functions in the body. Some of the main ones are:

• Support
• Protection
• Assisting in movement
• Storage of minerals
• Production of blood cells

Support

The skeleton provides framework for vertebrates. It supports tissues and organs inside the body as well as form the shape of the vertebrae. The skeleton includes points of attachment called joints (e.g. knee joint, elbow) for extra support and flexibility of movement.

Protection

The skeleton acts as a barrier, providing protection for the internal organs of the body. this reduces the risk of injury to them. (e.g. the rib cage protects the lungs and the heart, the skull protects the brain.)

Assisting in movement

Bones provide the structure for muscles to attach, enabling us to move. Because the skeletal muscle and bone are attached, when the respective muscle expands or contracts, the bone moves along with it, causing the whole body to move in the direction of the tendon.